Best Japanese Rice Cooker

Anyone who has ever been to Japan will know that one of the best things about the country is the delicious food. There are so many different flavors and types of cuisine to enjoy, from sushi to ramen, and everything in between.

One dish that is particularly popular in Japan is rice, which can be served either as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to other menu items. In order to make perfect Japanese rice, you need a good rice cooker. But with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

That’s where this guide comes in! In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best Japanese rice cookers on the market. We’ll also give you tips for choosing the right one for your needs. So , if you’re looking for a quality rice cooker that will help you make delicious Japanese rice at home, read on!

What is Japanese Rice Cooker?

A Japanese rice cooker is a kitchen appliance designed specifically for cooking rice. It typically consists of a heating element, a removable cooking pot, and a control panel with settings for different types of rice.

10 Best Japanese Rice Cooker In 2023

1. Panasonic 5 Cup (Uncooked) Japanese Rice Cooker

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The Panasonic Japanese Rice Cooker is perfect for those who want to enjoy perfectly cooked rice without any hassle. With its induction heating system, this rice cooker can quickly and evenly cook your rice to perfection. Additionally, the 13 pre-set cooking programs make it easy to cook a variety of different types of rice, including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, porridge, and more.

Plus, the rice cooker’s automatic shut-off function prevents overcooking, while its handy keep-warm setting activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours. The Panasonic Japanese Rice Cooker also includes a built-in umami-enhancing taste catcher, 7-layer inner cooking pan, a measuring cup for portioning the desired amount, a ladle, and a non-scratching rice spoon for authentic Asian service.

Overall, the Panasonic Japanese Rice Cooker is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker that can cook perfect rice every time. With its induction heating system, 13 pre-set cooking programs, and automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions, this rice cooker is sure to make mealtime a breeze.

Pros
  • It has an induction heating system
  • The 13 pre-set cooking programs
  • It has an automatic shut-off function
  • It has a keep-warm setting that activates automatically when cooking is complete
  • It is easy to use
Cons
  • Some reviewers found the instruction manual difficult to understand.
  • Some reviewers felt that the machine was too complicated for simple rice cooking.

Simple Buyer Review… So glad I found this rice cooker. Was really hard to find things that mot made in China.
And finally found this.
About the noise: not so disturbing noise like you have the lawn mower on in the kitchen 😂… I mean the microwave makes a louder noise than this.
About 60 minutes of cooking rice: because the soaking time is included. With my other rice cooker, I had to soak it and sometimes forgot to turn it on at the exact time of 30 minutes.
So, this rice cooker is just PERFECT!

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2. Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB

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The Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB is a top of the line Japanese rice cooker that uses pressure induction heating to produce perfect results every time. With a 5.5 cup capacity, this rice cooker is perfect for families or those who love to entertain. The pressure induction heating system evenly distributes heat throughout the pot, resulting in sticky and plump rice that is perfect every time.

The included menu settings allow you to cook a variety of different types of rice, including white, brown, sushi, and even oatmeal. With the fuzzy logic technology with AI, this rice cooker “learns” and adjusts the cooking cycle to get perfect results each and every time.

The BPA-free construction ensures that your food is free of harmful chemicals, and the included spatula and measuring cups make it easy to get started. Whether you are a rice aficionado or just looking for an easy way to make perfect rice, the Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB is the ideal choice.

Overall, the Zojirushi NP-NWC10XB is the best Japanese rice cooker on the market. With its pressure induction heating system, advanced fuzzy logic technology, and included menu settings, this rice cooker is sure to make perfect rice each and every time.

Pros
  • It is very easy to use, with clear instructions.
  • It has a durable inner pot.
  • The design is very sleek.
  • It comes with a measuring cup and spatula.
  • It has a variety of menu settings.
Cons
  • The 5.5 cup capacity may be too small for some families.
  • It does not have a delay timer.

Simple Buyer Review… About 10 years ago I bought my first Zojirushi rice maker. Loved how easy it was to make rice and oatmeal cooked to what I thought was perfection. Well, after an unfortunate series of events I had to buy a new rice cooker and Zojirushi was so good I went with the top-end model with inductive heat. WOW, just wow, how well this new model works. There is even a setting for rolled oatmeal. Everything so far has been cooked to perfection.
If you want perfection, buy this model.

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3. CUCKOO CRP-P0609S

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The CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker is a versatile and reliable appliance that is perfect for those who want to make delicious and healthy meals. With 12 menu options, this cooker can make anything from quinoa to GABA rice with ease.

Additionally, the Fuzzy Logic technology ensures perfectly cooked rice every time. The stainless steel X-Wall inner pot is also scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Finally, the overheating alarm ensures your safety while cooking.

With so many features, the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S Pressure Rice Cooker is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile cooker.

Overall, the CUCKOO CRP-P0609S is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy to use and reliable cooker. With 12 menu options, Fuzzy Logic technology, and a stainless steel inner pot, this cooker can make any type of rice dish with ease.

Pros
  • It has a LED display panel with 12 menu options
  • It features simple touch controls
  • It has a stainless steel X-Wall inner pot with premium nonstick diamond coating
  • The cooker will automatically detect and adjust its temperature and pressure for perfectly cooked rice
  • It includes a safety release valve to release pressure safely and quietly
Cons
  • It is not dishwasher safe
  • The cord is short

Simple Buyer Review… After I received it, I realize that this model was actually an older model from its line. But, it works great. I love the lid!! It has a very smooth modern sliding function built in to unlock by turning right and turning left to lock. This is the function that broke on my previous rice pot where you manually force turned the knob to open and lock. This one glides to open and glides to lock. So easy. This is my 3rd rice cooker in the last 14 years. Hopefully this one last 5 years; it will be used daily. Once you use one of these types of rice cooker, you’re hooked for life. The keep warm (for days) setting is the main reason.

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4. Tiger JNP-1800-FL

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The Tiger JNP-1800-FL 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer is a great choice for those who want to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked rice. The non-stick inner pan ensures that your rice comes out perfect every time, and the keep-warm function keeps it warm for up to 12 hours. The retractable power cord and spatula make it easy to use, while the removable and washable steam vent makes it easy to clean.

Plus, the included rice measuring cup ensures that you get the perfect amount of rice every time. This rice cooker is the perfect choice for those who want perfectly cooked rice every time. With its non-stick inner pan and keep-warm function, it’s easy to see why the Tiger JNP-1800-FL 10-Cup is a top choice for those who love perfectly cooked rice.

Overall, the Tiger JNP-1800-FL is a great choice for those who want to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked rice. With its non-stick inner pan, keep-warm function, and easy-to-use design, it’s easy to see why the Tiger JNP-1800 for those who love perfectly cooked rice.

Pros
  • It has a non-stick inner pan for perfect rice every time
  • The keep-warm function keeps rice warm for hours
  • It has a retractable power cord for easy use
  • It includes a spatula and rice measuring cup
  • The steam vent is removable and washable
Cons
  • Some users have said that the machine isn’t very durable
  • The machine doesn’t have a timer

Simple Buyer Review… This rice cooker is perfect for me right now. I tried the different brands before but after a while, the rice doesn’t taste good or does not cook right.

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5. Zojirushi, Made in Japan Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker

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The Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker by Zojirushi is one of the best on the market. It has a 5.5 cup capacity and uses advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology to ensure perfectly cooked rice every time. The menu settings include white (regular/sushi, softer or harder), mixed, porridge, sweet, semi-brown, brown, rinse-free and quick cooking. It also has a keep warm function to keep rice at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat.

This rice cooker also comes with a helpful guide that includes recipes and tips on how to get the perfect results every time. The Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker by Zojirushi is the perfect addition to any kitchen. With its easy-to-use controls and delicious results, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Overall, this product is perfect for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use rice cooker. The Neuro Fuzzy technology ensures perfectly cooked rice every time, while the various menu settings make it versatile enough to handle any dish.

Pros
  • It is a multi-menu cooker
  • It has a keep warm function.
  • Comes with measuring cups, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, and rice spoon holder.
  • The pot is non stick hence easy to clean.
  • It is wall mountable.
Cons
  • Some users have complained that the pot is difficult to remove.
  • The machine does not have an automatic shut-off function.

Simple Buyer Review… Wow! This is the best rice cooker I have ever owned. Every batch turns our perfect whether I’m using brown rice, mixed rice, basmati rice, etc. It is super easy to use and this size is perfect for at least a family of 4. I don’t know what took me so long to invest in a real rice cooker. If you think your InstaPot, Breville, or any other device that can be used as a rice cooker that you can find in the store is great, you are wrong!

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6. Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multi-functional Rice Cooker

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The Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multi-functional Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer & Warmer is a versatile and convenient appliance that makes healthy eating easy. Low-carb rice is a good choice for diabetics or health-conscious individuals as it can remove unhealthy digestive starch by up to 37% and increase healthy resistant starch by up to 34%.

The rice cooker also offers Induction Heating, which generates heat throughout the entire inner pot to produce perfectly cooked rice that is fluffy and full of flavour. With 8 pre-programmed settings, a LED smart digital panel display and a programmable 24-hour delay timer, this rice cooker is easy to use and perfect for busy families.

The non-stick inner pot, detachable steam vent and inner lid also make it easy to clean. Toshiba will provide 1-year manufacturer warranty together with your purchase.

Overall, the Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multi-functional Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer & Warmer is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use appliance for making healthy meals. With its ability to remove unhealthy starch from rice and its induction heating feature, this rice cooker is sure to make perfectly cooked rice that is both healthy and delicious.

Pros
  • It is versatile and can cook various types of rice
  • The Induction Heating feature provides even heat distribution for perfect cooking results.
  • The non-stick inner pot and detachable steam vent make it easy to clean.
  • It has a LED smart digital panel display for ease of use.
  • It comes with a programmable 24-hour delay timer.
Cons
  • Some buyers have found the machine difficult to use.
  • The warranty period is shorter than some other brands.

Simple Buyer Review… This makes rice so easily! Beautiful, light, fluffy rice! The surfaces are nonstick that seem heavier duty than most non-stick pans. There are several surfaces to clean to do it thoroughly, but it comes apart and goes together easy. I ignore the clock on it as I don’t want appliances taking up counter space so unplug it each time. Still, I just select the item I am cooking, hit enter and when it’s done it comes out perfectly. It also keeps warm after cooking without scorching and burning everything. Worth every penny!

7. Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB

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The Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a versatile and easy-to-use cooker that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. With multiple cooking functions, it can handle everything from white and mixed rice to sushi rice, brown rice, GABA brown rice, long grain white rice, steel cut oatmeal, and quick cooking. The triple heater design (bottom, side, and lid) ensures even heating, while the detachable and washable inner lid makes cleanup a breeze.

Additionally, the easy-to-store retractable cord and interchangeable melody and beep signal make this rice cooker a great choice for any kitchen. This rice cooker also features a removable steam vent cap to prevent messy overflows and has an electrical rating of 120 volts or 450 watts. The micro computer automatically adjusts cooking temperature and time, making it a perfect choice for any home cook.

Overall, the Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use cooker. With its multiple cooking functions and even heating, it is sure to make a great addition to any kitchen.

Pros
  • The triple heater design ensures even cooking
  • It is easy to store with a retractable cord
  • The inner lid is detachable and washable
  • It has a microcomputer that adjusts cooking temperature and time automatically
  • It has multiple cooking functions for different types of rice
Cons
  • Some people may find the price to be on the high end
  • Some people may not like that it only cooks up to 3 cups of rice at a time.

Simple Buyer Review… Honestly, I was going to write a review asking if you wanted perfect rice on your schedule – but I quickly realized that review would not do this product justice. The five batches of rice I have made with this (jasmine, sticky, and basmati) have turned out better than you’d expect in restaurants in the US. Don’t let the price dissuade you, this is one product you won’t be sorry you purchased. In fact, there are several models above this that are probably even better but this is good enough for me. I did not receive this product at any sort of discount.

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8. Panasonic 5 SR-DF101

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The Panasonic 5-cup Rice Cooker is perfect for cooking up to 5 cups of rice at a time. With its advanced fuzzy logic technology, the micro-computer makes delicate adjustments in cooking times and temperatures for precise cooking and more consistent results.

The one-touch cooking feature allows you to easily choose a pre-programmed setting to cook anything from brown rice, white rice, glutinous rice, mixed rice, and short or long-grained rice – cooked to restaurant-quality perfection.

The keep warm feature activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 12 hours. The additional features include a steaming basket, a special measuring cup for portioning the desired amount, as well as a non-scratching rice spoon for authentic Asian-style service.

Overall, the Panasonic 5-cup Rice Cooker is a great choice for those who want to have perfectly cooked rice every time. With its advanced fuzzy logic technology and one-touch cooking feature, it takes the guesswork out of cooking rice. The keep warm feature is also a nice touch, keeping rice warm and fresh for up to 12 hours.

Pros
  • It has advanced fuzzy logic technology
  • It has one-touch cooking feature
  • It has a keep warm feature
  • It also comes with a steaming basket, a measuring cup for putting the correct amount in, and a non-scratching rice spoon.
  • It has a 5-cup capacity
Cons
  • Some users have found that the rice isn’t as fluffy as they would like it to be.
  • The machine is not dishwasher safe.

Simple Buyer Review… We needed a smaller machine. Cost a lot less than our trust Zojirushi “space ship” but the rice is very nearly as good. It cost a lot less than the same size Zoji. Unless you are quite picky about your rice, this is an excellent choice. After owning it for a year, yes. We would buy another.

9. Tayama 20-Cup Stainless Steel Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer

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The Tayama 20-Cup Stainless Steel Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a great choice for those who want a quality rice cooker that will last for years. This cooker has a removable stainless steel cooking pot, convenient detachable cord, and an elegant round-shaped cool-touch body. The cook & keep warm features make this rice cooker very user-friendly.

It also comes with a 20 cups cooked/10 cups uncooked capacity. The included components are a rice cooker, stainless steel inner pot, spatula, measuring cup, manual, warranty, and steam tray. With all these great features, the Tayama 20-Cup Stainless Steel Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quality rice cooker.

Overall, the Tayama 20-Cup Stainless Steel Automatic Rice Cooker & Food Steamer is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality rice cooker that will last for years. It has a variety of features that make it user-friendly, and it comes with everything you need to get started.

Pros
  • It has a removable stainless steel cooking pot.
  • The cord is detachable.
  • It has an elegant round-shaped cool-touch body.
  • The cook & keep warm features make this rice cooker very user-friendly.
  • It also comes with a 20 cups cooked/10 cups uncooked capacity.
Cons
  • Some consumers have complained that the plastic measuring cup melted when used in the cooker.
  • Some have also said that the machine does not keep rice warm for as long as advertised.

Simple Buyer Review…. We’ve bought a number of rice cookers over the years but this one has been fantastic. Cooked the rice perfectly from the first time we used it. The rice comes out completely cooked with no extra water hanging around and isn’t dried out. No matter what the amount we put in the rice comes out perfect every time. We’ve had this unit for almost a year now. Hope, and we expect, it to keep going the same in the future. We definitely reccomend this rice cooker, we’re very happy with it.

10. Zojirushi NL-GAC10 BM

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The Zojirushi NL-GAC10 BM Umami Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a top-quality product that uses advanced micro computerized Fuzzy logic technology. This rice cooker shows a variety of settings for white, umami, mixed, sushi/sweet, Jasmine, porridge, congee, brown, GABA brown and quick white. This rice cooker is adaptable and can prepare foods other than just rice.

The unique UMAMI setting extends soaking and steaming for enhanced flavour. The black thick easy-to-clean nonstick coated inner cooking pan and detachable and washable inner lid make this rice cooker a snap to clean. With an easy-to-read and use LCD control panel, the Zojirushi NL-GAC10 BM Umami Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer is a top-quality product that is sure to please.

Overall, this is an excellent rice cooker for those who are looking for both quality and versatility. With a wide variety of menu settings, the ability to cook more than just rice, and a unique UMAMI setting, this rice cooker is sure to please even the most discerning cooks.

Pros
  • It is very easy to use with its straightforward LCD control panel
  • The nonstick coated inner cooking pan and detachable inner lid make it very easy to clean
  • It has a variety of menu settings, including a unique UMAMI setting
  • It is very versatile and can cook more than just rice
  • It is made in Japan, so you can be sure of its quality
Cons
  • The price is on the high end for rice cookers
  • It does not come with a steamer basket

Simple Buyer Review… This is my second Zojirushi. The first one my eldest kid took with him when he moved out. Overall it makes great rice and I even like to make polenta/stone ground grits in this. (Porridge setting, 4 to 1 water to grits). In fact, I love almost everything about this except one thing: Why on earth did they take away the retracting electrical cord? I could see doing that for a low-end model, but this is far from the low-end of their products.

 

How to choose the best Japanese rice cooker for your needs?

When it comes to choosing the best Japanese rice cooker for your needs, there are a few things you need to take into account.

Size:

One of the most important things you need to take into account when choosing a Japanese rice cooker is the size. You need to make sure that the rice cooker is big enough to cook the amount of rice you need, but not too big that it takes up too much space in your kitchen. This is especially important if you have a small kitchen.

Wattage:

Another important thing to consider is the wattage of the rice cooker. The higher the wattage, the faster the rice cooker will cook the rice. If you are cooking for a large family or group of people, you may want to choose a rice cooker with a higher wattage so that it can cook the rice faster.

Functions:

When choosing a Japanese rice cooker, you also need to consider the functions that it offers. Some rice cookers come with a steamer basket so that you can steam vegetables or fish at the same time as cooking the rice. Other features include delayed timers so that you can set the rice cooker to start cooking at a later time, and keep warm functions so that the rice stays warm until you are ready to eat it.

Price:

Of course, price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a Japanese rice cooker. You need to find one that fits your budget, but also offers the features and functions that you need. There are many different rice cookers on the market, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Reviews:

It is always a good idea to read reviews of rice cookers before making your purchase. This way, you can get an idea of what other people think of the various models on the market. You can also find out about any potential problems that other people have had with a particular model.

Durability:

When choosing a Japanese rice cooker, you also want to consider how durable it is. You want to make sure that it will last for many years and that it can withstand frequent use. Some rice cookers are made with cheaper materials and are not as durable as others.

Safety:

When choosing a Japanese rice cooker, you also want to consider safety. Some rice cookers have automatic shut off feature that turns the cooker off when the rice is done cooking. This is a very important safety feature, as it prevents the rice from overcooking and burning.

Different types of Japanese rice cookers on the market?

When it comes to choosing the best Japanese rice cooker for your needs, you need to take into account the different types of rice cookers on the market. There are three main types of rice cookers: electric, induction, and microwave.

Electric:

Electric rice cookers are the most common type of rice cooker on the market. They are easy to use and can be found in most kitchens. Electric rice cookers work by using an electric heating element to cook the rice.

Induction:

Induction rice cookers use induction technology to cook the rice. They work by using an electromagnetic field to generate heat, which is then used to cook the rice. Induction rice cookers are more energy efficient than electric rice cookers, but they can be more expensive.

Microwave:

Microwave rice cookers use microwaves to cook the rice. They are the quickest type of rice cooker, but they can be less consistent in terms of cooking results.

How we test our products:

The Japanese rice cooker is one product we take very seriously at our company. We have a team of experts who test and review each individual cooker to make sure it meets our high standards. We also take feedback from customers very seriously to ensure that we are always improving our products.

Our testing process begins with our team of experts evaluating the cookers on their ability to evenly cook rice. We also test for things like how easy the cooker is to use and clean. Once our experts have vetted the cookers, we then send them out to real customers to get their feedback.

We take all of this feedback into consideration when making our final decision on which cookers make it onto our list of best Japanese rice cookers.

FAQ For japanse rice cooker

Q: Is Zojirushi made in Japan or China?

Zojirushi is a Japanese company that has been making quality rice cookers for over 90 years. While the company does have manufacturing facilities in China, all of its products are designed and engineered in Japan.

Q: Why are Japanese rice cookers better?

There are a few reasons why Japanese rice cookers are often considered to be the best on the market. Firstly, they are very efficient at cooking rice thanks to their use of advanced heating technology. Secondly, they often come equipped with a host of features and settings that allow you to customize your rice-cooking experience. And lastly, Japanese rice cookers tend to be very durable and long-lasting, so you can be sure that your investment will pay off in the long run.

Q: Is the Panasonic rice cooker made in Japan?

No, Panasonic is a Japanese electronics company, but their rice cookers are made in China. That said, Panasonic rice cookers are still of excellent quality and they offer a wide range of models to choose from.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – our top 10 best Japanese rice cookers for 2020. We hope this article has helped you to understand the different types of cookers available and how to choose the one that is perfect for your needs. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we love hearing from our readers. And finally, a big thank-you for sticking with us until the end!

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